ABSTRACT
Socio-cultural norms can potentially enhance the adaptive capacities of some groups while constraining the capacities of others. Using household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews in four communities in the Nkoranza South municipality, Ghana, this article examines how socio-cultural norms influence the climate change adaptation of smallholder farmers. While socio-cultural norms fostered indigenes’ access to farmlands and other communal resources resulting in on-farm diversification, migrants/settlers could not take advantage of climate-resistant cash crops such as cashew due to their limited access to and control of land. Additionally, cultural expectations and roles enhanced women’s non-farm adaptive options compared to men.
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Alexander Nii Adjei Sowah
Alexander Nii Adjei Sowah is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, Legon.
Kwadwo Owusu
Kwadwo Owusu is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon.
Paul William Kojo Yankson
Paul William Kojo Yankson is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon.
Edna Quansah
Edna Quansah is member of the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon.